So I got to thinking.. I'm having all my aftermarket components added to my insurance policy.. But decided to get an alarm too.

Few questions.

#1 - Recommend brands to stick to, and brands to ignore? Looking for keyless entry, remote start, clone-safe, flashing parking lights,and a decent distance on the remote.

#2 - Any safety issues with buying off of ebay? Even if NIB? I think I could install myself. Or should I stick to working with a local shop..

 

I bought a Viper VX791 off ebay, no problems. I like it, honestly I don't feel very safe with it though. I will be switcing to the new Compustar system soon though. I payed to have mine installed but that was way before I was even really into audio. I actually am going to install my 1st remote start/alarm tommorow on a friends car.

 

Does Viper hold up to the name?

 

personally I think the viper remote is too big - I have a code CA670(an audiovox company) which offers all the features you want and more and the remote is about 2/3 the size of the viper's remote.

The viper's 2way delay is a little longer than the ca670's but if you never compared them side by side it wont bother you. But if you are nitpicky it will bother you.

I've installed both and they are both relatively straight forward to install and configure. They both have stock keyfob interface so that you can arm/disarm the alarm with the stock remotes. They both have remote start and manual activation. They both have tons of auxiliary outputs and they both have silent arm/disarm. The code has integrated relays which is a little less mess when installing because hiding the Viper's relay boxes can be cumbersome at times and complicate uninstallation. if you arent installing it yourself it doesnt really matter.

The Codes shock sensor is not as reliable as the vipers - as in it will have more hot spots that are really sensitive and spots that arent and because of that requires more care in placement.

I have disabled the shock sensor entirely on my ca670 and I use a microwave sensor($25 plug n play add on) because it is immune to bass and exhaust false alarms and will trigger warn away even if someone is looking in your windows without touching anything.

 

dalton you didnt give a review of my Compustar alarm.



I basically got the highest end version without remote start.

I can say it comes with decent features but a HUGE remote... range is good, much better than code's, but i think i'd rather have a smaller remote.

The system hiccups often, especially at the beginning, now it seems to stabilize more.

The alarm sounds a little high pitched and weird but it isnt too bad. The shock sensor is useless below 8 (out of 10) and at 8 and higher its extremely sensitive but good.

Batteries used are AA's and they eat throuh one every 5 weeks if you arent playing with your alarm too much.


Dalton also said its a pretty straightforward installation but a lot of problems arise because of user error. if you aren't too good with patience or technology, Compustar isnt for you.


Make sure to get it cheap on ebay!

 

And, if you have a choise DO NOT get a compustar!!! they are picky finicky and very unreliable. The 2way delay time is the longest of any alarm ive ever installed and the remote start is so picky about the conditions it will start in you might as well get in and start it yourself. not to mention, the batteries are gone every month like dan says.

The Code battery life is a year on one AAA and the vipers is 6-9 months..

 

I might have tooken that review a little more serious if you didn't say the Viper battery is 6-9 months. It is almost monthly.

 

Either the receiver or the transmitter antenna must be damaged in order for it to consume that much power. Ive installed three 2way models and ive only had to replace one battery so far and that was a 6 month mark.

Then again, whether or not you take me seriously is not really a big deal to me since ive seen what you consider quality in car electronics...

BTW, uhh, how many alarms have you installed?

 

lol Im not sure on alarms but, the one peice of advice I can give is DO NOT go to Buzz off alarms on dale mabry. They installed an alarm on a 95 civic I had. It was a 2 way system with remote start. I had nothing but, problems with it. I had it back in the shop 2 times in the first 30 days. Once the antenna went bad & the other was something screwed up with the install I guess. I had nothing but problems. It was a system they sold me & installed.

 

Well then, how do I check for a damaged reciever or antenna? Both cosmetically look fine.

EDIT: You have installed 3 2 way systems on your own cars? Or do people come back to you to change a AAA in a remote?